A Soft Landing

Waddling back inside from the warm hum of the laundromat, I welcomed the stillness of the dark hallway. Right near the threshold transition strip, a clean woven tea coaster made of braided jute lay flat against the floorboards. I paused and sat quietly beside its rough, coiled ridges, watching the warm amber light of the floor lamp wash across the fibers. Instead of giving it a push across the polished wood, I backed up with patient care and eased my rounded haunches straight down into its hollow center. The thick twine gave a muffled, dry creak before cupping my base like a little sturdy nest. I pulled my paws in close and let the quiet house hold me.